DASSA is responsible to the Minister for Health and Wellbeing and is part of the Department for Health and Wellbeing; providing policy and planning advice to the Minister and the Chief Executive of the Department for Health and Wellbeing.

DASSA's strategic intention is the prevention and management of alcohol, tobacco and other drug-related issues across South Australia.

To achieve this, DASSA:

advises on a whole-of-government approach to prevent the use of illicit drugs and the misuse of licit drugs

advises on policy relating to tobacco, alcohol and other drugs

provides or brokers a range of prevention, intervention and treatment programs across the State with a particular focus on high risk groups and behaviours

Harm minimisation

DASSA's work is based on the principle of harm minimisation.Harm minimisation has been the nationally agreed approach to alcohol and other drug problems since 1985. It involves a co-ordinated, whole of government approach to addressing the 'three pillars' of demand reduction, supply reduction and harm reduction.

Demand reduction strategies designed to prevent the uptake of harmful drug use and to reduce drug use

Harm reduction strategies designed to reduce the harms associated with drug use for individuals and communities

Supply reduction strategies designed to disrupt the production and supply of illicit drugs.

Legislative framework

DASSA operates under the legislative framework provided by the following Acts of Parliament related to alcohol, tobacco and other drug use, which are committed to the Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse: